Super Falcons legend, Onome Ebi has announced her retirement from professional football at the age of 42, bringing the curtain down on a glittering 24-year career that spanned continents, records, and generations.
Ebi, who has been a cornerstone of Nigerian women’s football for over two decades, made the announcement on her social media account, confirming that while she is hanging up her boots, her purpose in the game will continue beyond the pitch.
“Today, I officially retire from professional football” – Onome Ebi
In her emotional farewell statement, Ebi wrote:
“Today, I officially retire from professional football. The journey has been filled with challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped me into who I am today.”
“Though I hang up my boots, my purpose in the game continues — to give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players.”
Her longevity and consistency made her one of the most respected defenders in the women’s game worldwide.
Trailblazer in World Football
Onome Ebi enjoyed an historic. She is the first African footballer, (male or female) to feature in six FIFA World Cup tournaments, representing Nigeria at:
2003 (USA)
2007 (China)
2011 (Germany)
2015 (Canada)
2019 (France)
2023 (Australia & New Zealand)
Trophy-Laden Career
Ebi’s club and international career was decorated with silverware across several countries:
4× Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Champion (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018)
2× Turkish Women’s Football League Champion
2× Belarusian Women’s Super Cup Winner
1× Belarusian Premier League Champion
1× Belarusian Women’s Cup Winner (2014)
Individually, she earned recognition from global bodies:
Named in IFFHS CAF Women’s Team of the Decade (2011–2020)
Included in the IFFHS All-Time Africa Women’s Dream Team (2021)
Breaking Barriers at Home
Ebi also became a trailblazer off the pitch. In 2023, she was reported as the highest-paid home-based female footballer in Nigeria, earning ₦1.5 million ($992) monthly with Naija Ratels.
Nigeria’s Defensive Rock
109 international caps
6 World Cup appearances
4 international goals
Beyond numbers, Ebi was a leader, a mentor, and a pillar of the Super Falcons’ backline for over two decades.
The End of an Era
From Aba to Abuja, Belarus to Turkey, and the global stage of six World Cups, Onome Ebi’s journey is one of excellence and groundbreaking achievements.
She leaves the game as a history-maker, as Nigeria bows in respect to a true queen of African football.
